[The Welcome Home] A Midnight Prowl

by **Nya Winters** on January 21st, 2010, 7:21 pm

Nya took the tunic gratefully with a smile of thanks to Abashai and slipped from the room for a moment to put it on. While not exactly decent by Sylira's standards, it did reach almost to her knees and formed a dress of sorts beneath her cloak. It smelled like her bondmate too, which comforted away the embarrassment and had her more relaxed when she returned. The forest cat was back in just a moment, still trying to deal with the cloak that was swirling around her as if it had a life of its own.

Nya lifted her head at Stitch's comments and slowly unfastened the cloak. It was still writhing a bit as she handed it to him. "I found it ... well, I got it from someone who didn't need it anymore. I think its pretty and ...." Well the truth was it kept her entertained. Not only being warm, it was playful and ripply, and it somehow often soothed her when she was nervous because the cloak could almost pet her ... and cats loved to be stroked. She wasn't worried about Stitch taking it or handling it, but she knew he had eyes that were different than most peoples. That's why Abashai and her had decided to take some of their more unusual things over to Stitch's to have him look at them in his very unique way.

"What do you think it is?"

Just then Damien came back in and Nya lifted an eyebrow. She didn't understand the boys upset for a moment, nor why he left so abruptly. Nya had brought him marbles, and really enjoyed playing with Damien. She wasn't certain what she had done, but then again she hadn't spent much time around human children. She looked first at Stitch then at Abashai, bewildered.

by **Abashai** on January 22nd, 2010, 5:10 pm

Abashai watched the boy sulk out of the room with a grin, then turned back to Stitch and Nya. While the blind man examined the cloak, Abashai glanced at Nya, now wearing his tunic, showed a slight grin and gave her an uncharacteristic wink. Then the benshiran knelt to uncover the rest of the mysterious items.

Laying back the blanket, he carefully separated and laid them out. First was the mace, its heavy iron head curiously studded with shards of glass. Abashai shuddered at the memory of seeing one of those shards jutting from the forest cat's bloody shoulder. Next was the longsword. He slid out the blade only enough to see a bit of the chilled icy blade, then carefully slid it back. Beside that he laid the jeweled dagger, and finally the black silk-covered kneeling bar.

The collection did bring back haunting memories. Both Nya and he suffered great pain that night, both in their bodies and their hearts, and saw things that they still do not talk about. But in the end, they were stronger, their bond tighter. After that experience, Abashai knew without a doubt that he loved Nya, and that she loved him.

Standing and mentally shaking off the ghosts of the ruins, Abashai moved to stand next to his bondmate and watched Stitch curiously.

by **Stitch** on January 30th, 2010, 1:10 am

Stitch smiled and bowed his head slightly as the Lady Nya handed him the cloak, his hand reaching out to take it from her gently, and hold it out before him. "Thank you very much, milady Nya." Letting the cloth dangle from his fingers, he turned his attention to it, letting himself focus. The details of the cloak came into his mind, just like magic, and he knew the color. He knew the shape, he knew the material, he knew what size it was and who in the room it would fit. All of the basics came to his head, but he knew he needed something more. Much more. A different kind of aura swirled around the object, and that was the aura he needed to be able to read, to be able to know. This wasn't just a simple cloak. It was alive, it seemed. He could still see a heartbeat.

They would see the change happen almost instantly.

Veins suddenly shot to the surface of his face, bulging outwards all around his hidden, bandaged eyes, looking like red and purple spiderwebs underneath his lightly tanned skin. They would see his jaw set, concentration marring his features, and suddenly the air around them would feel very alive. Sparking with magic, perhaps something that both were similar with.

Stitch focused as hard as he could on the cloak, unaware of the rest of the world around him. He could faintly feel his skin warming, his head burning, his skull aching. Blocking out the pain, he focused harder, drawing on the Auristics within him, pulling on his own personal magic, pulling as much he could muster to do this task his friends had asked of him. Faintly, he realized a tear of blood had ran down his cheek, but he did not stop quite yet. Pain was gone. Everything was gone. Him and the cloak, nothing else. It was then that he realized.

He now knew.

He snapped out of his stupor, and glanced up at the Lady and Lord, a weary smile crossing his face. Unaware of the single streak of blood that ran out from under his eye bandages and down his cheek, he offered them a beaming smile, still as happy and loving as ever. His magics still lingered in the aura around him, around Nya and Abashai, for they would distinctly feel this aura, this love and happiness. An amount of love and happiness for the two of them that was amazing, considering that they had just barely know each other for a few days now. He truly cared for them, and very deeply. He spoke, gasping a bit as he did. "The cloak... It is... Alive, somehow. This one can't explain it. But it doesn't want this to pry with it too much. It just wanted this one to know, or this one was able to know... It is lonely." Stitch frowned a bit, looking down at the cloak again. "Very lonely." He paused, gathering a breath, and spoke once more. "But, it is magical... It will keep you, your entirety warm, on a cold winter night. On the coldest winter night, this cloak will lend you it's magic, and keep you comfortable and toasty. There is something else, but..."

He leaned back, into the wall, rubbing his forehead where a single vein still bulged. "Could this one... Could this one keep these items for awhile, and look them over as the days pass by? This doesn't think he can do them all tonight, but this one wants to complete the task for you, and will be able to do so by the end of the week. Would the milord and milady allow this one that pleasure?"

He smiled, still unaware of the pain he was currently in. Even if he did know, he would hide it. He wouldn't want them to know that their simple, innocent request had hurt him.

by **Nya Winters** on February 8th, 2010, 8:05 pm

Alive? Nya sniffed deeply but her senses didn't give her any of the clues Stitch himself gave her when it came to the cloak. The cloak was somehow alive? Nya stared at Stitch then turned to glance at Abashai, raising a brindled eyebrow at him. This did not really have any basis in life as far as Nya had experienced it, so it sounded somewhat crazy to her. Nya gently stepped forward, retrieved the cloak, and swirled it about her shoulders waiting for it to somehow speak. "Thank you. It keeps everyone warm? It's lonely? How does it communicate? Warmth is good. Very good. That is good because I can shift and not loose it like I would other clothing, and even if the rest of my things are gone, I will still be warm? This is something very useful to me. But how is it alive, Stitch? How can something like clothing be alive?" She seemed to ask both men, glancing between them.

As to whether Abashai would leave the items with Stitch or not, that was up to her bondmate. "I don't mind. Maybe if we do that, Abashai and I can bring food back in a few days - you tell us how many - and we can have a picnic here with you and the children then... to thank you." She said then turning to her bondmate to see what he'd say. Nya had no idea what the protocol for such things were. Stitch was clearing doing them a favor and it seemed to be a larger favor than she at first thought. "I would not like you to get a headache or tired from looking with your special eyes too much, Stitch. If Abashai lets you keep his things, will you at least promise to be careful and not hurt yourself?" She asked, concerned.

by **Abashai** on February 9th, 2010, 1:01 pm

The benshiran's eyebrows knit together in concern as the blind man handled the cloak. Abashai could see the great effort Stitch exerted to assess the garment. When he saw the trickle of blood run out from under the bandage over his eyes, Abashai wanted to make him stop. But Stitch's tension suddenly eased and his generous smile returned as he revealed his findings.

Abashai's brows raised, matching his bondmate's curious surprise as she glanced from Stitch to himself. Nya was right, it would be perfect for her. But the revelation of the cloak's true nature left him a bit disconcerted. The man with mysterious vision said it was alive. Abashai wanted to know if it was intelligent. A tree was alive, but you have nothing to fear from it, it has no motives. A Symenestra was alive too, and intelligent, and was chock full of motives. He would keep a wary eye on the enchanted cloak.

Returning his gaze back to Stitch, Abashai's countenance softened. Stitch was a selfless and generous man and the benshiran did not want to take advantage of those traits. He took a few steps to close the distance between them, placing his hand on the seated man's shoulder. Abashai glanced back at Nya for a moment, confirming his bondmate's concern for Stitch's safety. "Friend, I do not wish to burden you with this task. I can see it is difficult to perform, and you are kind enough not to mention that. I will leave these artifacts here. But like Nya has asked, I will ask for your word that you will not overtax yourself to harm while you examine them. I would leave with them now, and not ask anymore from you, if I did not believe that these things possessed enchantments that could do great harm or good."

His gaze darted again to his bondmate, wrapped in the mystical cloak, and flashed her a warm smile. "The very least we can do is bring some food to share with you and the children, I think it would be great fun too." Abashai's look sobered, and he wistfully wondered if the blind man could the subtle changes in a person's face. " Stitch, I also offer you my friendship. My God, Yahal, honors the humble and those with pure intent. I think he would be pleased if I honored you."

by **Stitch** on February 10th, 2010, 10:07 pm

Noting the confusion on his friend's faces, Stitch wistfully looked back to the cloak. He knew his explaination had been vague and mysterious, and he wasn't so sure what to do to fix it. He could tell from their auras that they wanted to know more about the cloak, that they didn't understand, but he didn't know how to fix that. Glancing back at the cloak, he thought about it, trying to reword the things he had learned. Perhaps it wasn't alive, perhaps that wasn't a good word. Was there some other word he could use, something else that described it? For, it wasn't really alive, perhaps. It did pulse with a heartbeat, but was more akin to the pulse of magic. He bit at his lower lip harder, visibly a bit frustrated. He had never delved so deeply into an aura before, yet he had learned so very little. He felt as if he should have learned more, should now know more. For a split moment, him and that cloak had almost been as one. Why then, did he simply have the vague feeling that it was 'alive'? Should he have something he was at least certain of?

His mind flickered, and pieces suddenly clicked in his head. Had the cloak stopped him?

"Sentience. That is the word. The cloak is magical, and somehow, it is aware. It has a sense of what is around it, as well as a sense of itself. It isn't bad, malicious, or seeking to harm. It is simply... lonely." His brow furrowed, and once again, he looked and sounded a bit sad as his head tilted at the gently rippling cloak.

The Benshira placed his hand upon Stitch's shoulder, and the blind man glanced up, startled out of his stupor. He smiled and quietly listened as the man began to speak, his own features softening. During the small speech, he absently lifted a hand and brushed away the small tear of blood, along with the thin, smeared trail it had left. When the man finished, Stitch paused for just a moment, then nodded. "You have this one's word, milord, milady. This one would be happy to examine all of the objects for you both, and will be sure not to tax himself too much." He lifted a hand, and placed it onto the one Abashai had placed on his shoulder. "This one also humbly, but happily accepts your friendship, and only wishes you both would accept his in return." Although he could not see Abashai's or Nya's expressions, he could feel the care, worry, and seriousness in their request, and offer. He appreciated it, he really did. He was lucky to have met them.

Their next offer made his face light up, and he nodded eagerly, that wide smile blooming across his face once more. "This one would be happy to have a picnic with the two of you, and I am sure the other children would too." He simply nodded and smiled at the Benshira's blessing, unsure of the words to return to the extremely honoring gesture, but able to send waves of happiness and respect to Abashai, in the form of a sensation. Stitch's aura flexed with the emotion, and they would both be able to feel it.

A few small rattles came from the main door of the Welcome home, behind Nya and Abashai, and Stitch spared a moment to glance at it. Odd. Was it that windy outside? He turned his attention back to the Lady and Lord, smiling. "You two may stay here tonight, if you wish? I would be happy to have you."

by **Nya Winters** on February 15th, 2010, 5:45 am

Nya smiled, nodded, understanding more now what Stitch said. She wasn't sure how clothing could have sentience but it was something she would talk to further with Abashai later and decide how to treat the garment. If it was indeed aware of itself, then it seemed somehow wrong to wear it as clothing, though she wasn't certain how Shai would think of it. The cloak itself, since she'd acquired it, had often hugged itself around her and she found herself speaking aloud to it though not realizing why. What Stitch said about it made sense... a great deal of sense.

So she nodded and smiled, reassured that the blind man would not harm himself at their benefit. Soon after, they departed, giving their thanks and well wishes to both Stitch and the children. Nya even took the time to help straighten the room she'd been playing with Damien in and clean up the marbles. But they declined the offer to stay, because they had a room at Matilda's that was already leased in their name.

Then they called it a night and returned quite a few days later at a time prearranged with Stitch with enough food fit for all the children and themselves.

Nya had made a day of it, shopping in the bazaar and bakery for sweets, getting a fine whole roasted turkey, and enough vegetables to serve for all the children to enjoy. She had apples and figs as well as sweet rolls that made up the bulk of the treats for after the dinner of turkey and salad.

She came with gifts too - paper and paint so the children could make drawings and practice their art. The forest cat stood proud with her bondmate, Abashai insisting on handling the rather large basket, as they waited for the door to be answered and Stitch to let them in for the feast. Nya planned to storytell as well, having a story all ready to tell the children during dinner.

by **Abashai** on February 16th, 2010, 2:34 pm

Nya had taken on the planning of the picnic with much gusto. They both looked forward to spending time with Stitch and the children. One of Abashai's fondest memories of his time in the desert was visiting with children. Their innocence, acceptance and simple joy always had seemed to suspend whatever reality the desert wanderer was facing. He had learned some children's songs as well, and enjoyed playing them for the benshiran kids. In fact, it was the only time he ever sang.

So, with his oud strapped to his back and an overstuffed basket that emitted such a tantalizing blend of delicious aromas that it spurred his stomach to grumble audibly, he stood next to Nya at the door of the Welcome Home. He was looking forward to having some fun and fellowship with Stitch and his wards, and, to discovering what their friend had learned of the mysterious collection the bondmates had left with him.

by **Stitch** on April 22nd, 2010, 3:42 am

Stitch was fairly quick to answer the door, barely a few moments passing before the wooden barricade swung open. He was quick to pop his head out, a smile already there, as if he had seen them coming. He actually had managed to pick them up right as they stepped up to the door, he had been nearby. Whatever the case, he had wanted to get to them before the children did, and had quickly taken his chance. Stepping outside, he quickly and quietly closed the door behind him to give both the Kelvic, and the Benshira one of his more solemn looks. "Milady, milord." Each of them received a small bow of the head, and a bright smile, even if the tone of the blind man showed his concern at something. "About the items you gave this one... Most of them are remarkable feats of magic, and this one would be happy to tell you what they do... But this one must warn you, please be careful. Some of the items feel... off. Odd. Some of them feel as if they have intent, one even feels malicious. They are your items, so this one trusts you with them... But please... Be careful." Each of them would feel his gaze on them for a moment, as if confirming they were indeed taking heed to his words. The care and worry had been obvious in his voice, and he was hoping they had noticed. After a bit of scrutiny, he would smile again, and once more open the door to the Welcome Home. "The children were looking forward to you coming."

He leaned in, and tapped the inside wall with his knuckles, a knocking sound echoing around the office room. After a few moments, Fentya would be heard in the very next room, her voice stern. "Alright, you can go now. They are finished having adult time." Two loud cheers were heard, and Damen and Trish came barreling in the opposing door. Damien leapt upon Nya, giving her a huge hug and sticking out his tongue at Abashai. Trish toddled quickly over to Nya as well, giving her a tug and a hug on her leg, eying Abashai cautiously. She hadn't met the man yet, and hadn't quite made up an opinion on the matter. Fentya came trotting in the room, giving both Nya and Abashai a short nod. "Stitch, I am going to go finish up the snacks." Stitch glanced at her, nodding and mouthing his thanks. She spun on her heel, leaving without much else to say.

Damen hopped off of Nya as quickly as he had hopped on, giving Abashai a look and darting off. "I forgot, I have something to do!" Trish toddled over to Abashai finally, still staring at him curiously. "Do you like Trish? Trish thinks you are a handsome man."

Stitch chuckled, giving Damen a curious glance as the boy exited the room. If the two mates entered, Stitch would close the door behind them, allow them to rest inside for a bit.

by **Nya Winters** on May 3rd, 2010, 7:18 am

Nya hugged Damien back, laughing and growling fiercely for a moment as she swung him around. It was obvious she had an affection for the boy, though they hardly knew each other. She nuzzled him playfully then set him back on the ground carefully. Children were to be protected, cherished, nurtured. The Kelvics knew this best of all... second only to good hearted parents.

"Good. I looked forward to coming too."

Nya said, smiling at Trisha even as she toddled over to Abashai. She even offered to help Fentya by calling through he doorway and asking her if she needed any help. The kelvic thought the little girl was growing up too fast, even though she was very mature for her age. Turning, she tapped the basket Abashai brought and added. "We brought goodies of our own for you too. There should not be any fuss." She said, leaving the talk of magic items up to Stitch and Abashai - who was the keeper of most of them anyhow. Nya only had her cloak and a jewel handled dagger that she didn't like to touch. She knew some of them were evil just based on the fact that the people that owned them were evil. It stood to reason. But for now, the men could talk of magic items and future threats while she went and frolicked with the children. Having had virtually no childhood of her own, Nya reveled in visiting the orphanage and experiencing a taste of what she'd missed.